Ute Pass Historical Society seeks History Park accessibility upgrades; Woodland Park council backs T‑Mobile grant support

The Ute Pass Historical Society presented a long-range master plan to "reimagine" History Park behind the library and asked the City of Woodland Park for permission to carry out Phase 1 accessibility improvements and for a letter of support to accompany a T‑Mobile Hometown Grant application.

Mike Bryant, speaking for the historical society, outlined the Phase 1 proposal: replace existing gravel paths with stamped concrete paths (designed to look like rustic boardwalk) to improve safety and winter maintenance, install a small pavilion and improved signage, and shorten the gift-shop deck to allow a continuous accessible path around the gift shop. He said the society plans to apply in March for a $50,000 T‑Mobile grant that the group expects will cover most Phase 1 costs and requested city permission to make the deck modification and pour the concrete path.

Council members recommended broad public input before final design, and staff suggested using the city's grant writer to review the application. Council then moved Resolution No. 939, Series 2026, formally supporting the master plan and the historical society's T‑Mobile grant application. The resolution passed unanimously on roll-call vote.

The historical society indicated Phase 1 is visioning-stage work and welcomed additional public contributions and a future permanent marker and public access improvements if funding is secured.